Dear Friends of Philadelphia Futures,

On June 3, we will celebrate the accomplishments of our scholars, who are graduating from high school and college in spite of the many obstacles in their path.

This is never more true than right now.

Mercedes and Lexus are two collegians whose graduations we will celebrate on June 3. We have known them since they were 14 years old, and we will proudly cheer them on when they receive their degrees. Although they have navigated significant barriers to get to graduation, nothing could have prepared them for the havoc that the coronavirus has wreaked on their academic journeys. This is true for all of our scholars.

Our scholars need our help, and your support, now.

They are struggling with basic human needs, such as food insecurity and housing instability. They do not have the technology to access key academic content. Their families are facing unemployment or dangerous conditions at work because they are considered essential workers. And they are struggling, mightily, with the emotional toll of having their entire world upended.

If this feels familiar to you, we are thinking of you.If this makes you want to get involved, I want to hear from you.And if this inspires you, I hope you will give generously.Your support matters, and never more so than right now.